New to this website and relatively knew to the world of Buddhism. My interest started primarily while reading "World Religions" by Huston Smith. Ever since I've been trying to learn as much as I can about Buddhism. I'm looking for the books and texts of the teachings of the Buddha. I've been to the Buddhist eLibrary and would prefer to have a physical book in front of me rather than PDFs. I've found it much easier to find books about the Tripitaka and Suttras than actually finding the writings themselves. Also if anyone knows good books that give an indepth view on buddhism in general, theravada buddhism, zen buddhism, or Tibetan buddhism that would be most helpful.

Perhaps this is a dumb question, but it seems as though the compilation of all Buddhist writings is a very vast body. What then would you say is the general books buddhist use and read most often? Ask this full well knowing the answer could be all of them and I know learning the ways of buddhism is best done through a teacher, sangha, or community, I unfortunately don't have many near me.

Other than going to temple and talking with someone I'm trying to find a good starting place with material that is creditable and reliable.